Generosity a Way of Life for 2025 St. John Paul II Award Recipients

The Catholic Community Foundation and Archbishop Gregory Aymond are honored to recognize Mike and Cindy Nolan as the recipients of the 2025 Saint John Paul II Award. Married for 53 years, the Nolans embody the virtues of humility, gratitude and charity through a lifetime of faith-filled service.

Both raised in Catholic families, the Nolans learned early that generosity was “a way of life.” Cindy recalls learning this generous way of life by living a life of prayer as a child in Breaux Bridge. Mike remembers his father helping to build the parish church in Marrero and his mother teaching catechism at their local parish.

“Our parents and grandparents taught us to help people as best you can,” Mike said. “That’s what you did.”

That spirit has defined their marriage. “Looking back,” Mike reflected, “our marriage has been the most important thing in shaping my adult character. Cindy set a good example for our family, and I followed her example – even to the point of going to daily Mass with her.” Cindy added, “God presented the opportunities to be generous, and we said yes.”

Together, they have said “yes” in countless ways. Cindy has devoted herself to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and School, Notre Dame Seminary and Catholic Women in Action amongst many groups. Among her most meaningful service, has been supporting seminarians, including one from Ghana who arrived with nothing and came to call the Nolans “Mom and Dad.” 

Cindy said, “What a blessing to help form these young men who are building the Church. It’s been one of the greatest gifts God has given us.”

Mike has also dedicated his professional and personal life to service. As longtime President and CEO of Fifth District Savings Bank, he led with integrity while giving decades of leadership to Catholic Charities, Jesuit High School, the Academy of Our Lady and the Catholic Community Foundation. He recalls his early volunteer work at the Chinchuba Institute for the Deaf as meaningful, moved by the parents’ tireless love for their children.

The Nolans are humbled by this honor. Cindy admitted, “We are absolutely astonished, so unworthy! There’s always so much more you can do.” 

Mike added, “I was overwhelmed when Archbishop called us. We are very humbled to receive the St. John Paul II award.”

The Nolans treasure their family – three children and eight grandchildren – and see their service as a way of passing on the faith.

“It’s important that we do what we do as an example to our children and grandchildren,” Cindy said.

The Catholic Community Foundation’s Annual Dinner is Oct. 9 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Registration available at www.ccfnola.org.